“How can a small water pipe crack turn into $20,000 worth of damage?” Easily if you forget to cover that hidden water hose spigot during a hard freeze.
No one looks forward to those surprise costly home repairs! In fact a little proactive effort goes a long way when it comes to ensuring the longevity of your home’s value.
We say stride confidently into 2019 knowing that this year, you’ll stay on top of those home maintenance needs with this handy checklist!
Monthly Home Maintenance Tips
CHECK YOUR HVAC.
If you have pets or allergies, change out filters monthly. Otherwise changing every 2-3 months should do the trick. Using cheaper filters is also advised, as increased air flow allows for less strain on your HVAC system.
CLEAN THE DISPOSAL.
Get rid of gunky disposal goo by running two cups of ice cubes through the grinder. The ice blasts deposits away and sharpens the blades as a bonus. Follow with ½ cup baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar and let sit overnight.
REMOVE STOVE VENT EXHAUST BUILD UP.
You’re in for a greasy treat if you’ve never cleaned your stove vent filters. Cooking grease builds up in the vent over time. Remove the filter(s) and soak in a degreaser, such as 1-part ammonia to 3-parts warm water.
Quarterly Home Maintenance Tips
CHECK YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER.
A fire extinguisher can be a real lifesaver in the event of a kitchen fire. A quick check to ensure the gauge shows adequate pressure is all you need to do. Replace expired or depressurized canisters.
TEST SMOKE DETECTORS & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS.
Hopefully you’ll never need these; however, you surely wouldn’t want to miss the alarm to evacuate in the event of a fire. To test, simply hit the test button. If the alarm sounds, you’re good to go. Otherwise replace the batteries and test again. Replace the unit if there is no alarm.
RUN SINK & SHOWER WATER AND FLUSH TOILETS.
Running water and flushing toilets prevents grime from building up and sewage gases out of your home.
CHECK LEVELS IN YOUR WATER SOFTENER.
Check your unit to see if it’s time to add salt or any other bio-cleaning chemicals.
PREVENT CLOGGED DRAINS.
Prevent clogs and smelly buildup by pouring a handful of baking soda in sink and shower drains, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the solution sit for a half an hour, then rinse with hot water.
Twice Yearly Home Maintenance Tips
TEST YOUR WATER HEATER.
Testing your hot water heater’s pressure relief valve twice a year will prevent mineral and corrosion build up. (On that note - contact a licensed plumber to check your heating elements if your hot water begins to be less responsive.)
DEEP CLEAN YOUR HOME.
Dedicate a Saturday every six months to give your home a proper cleaning, including windows, appliances, and dusting high and low.
CLEAN REFRIGERATOR COILS.
Your fridge consumes 15% of your home’s energy. Vacuum the coils of the unit to ensure the motor continues to run efficiently.
KEEP INSECTS OUT.
Many organic alternatives are now available to help prevent those creepy crawlies from getting into your home. Ask your pest control professional about alternatives to sue both inside and out.
Annually Home Maintenance Tips
EXTERIOR HOME CHECK UP.
Ensure gutter connections are secure and pointed in the right direction. Clean out leaf debris and touch up paint-chipped areas. Repair missing mortar between stone or brick and cracks around window sills. At the sign of any leak, repair shingles or areas where moisture can penetrate the home to prevent costly mold issues down the road.
ANNUAL HVAC SERVICE.
Before summer hits, arrange to have your A/C serviced by a professional to prevent mildew and water issues. Ask to have: 1) the inner unit coils cleaned, 2) the outside unit rinsed, and 3) the A/C drain pipe flushed. These little items make a big difference!
At JS2 Partners, we always stress the importance of routine HVAC maintenance to our clients. Not only are you ensuring the air in your home is safe and clean but you’re also taking steps to extend the life of those expensive HVAC units.
KEEP RAINWATER CATCHMENT WORKING EFFICIENTLY.
Shut down and drain pumps once a year following the growing season. Prior to freezing temps, be sure to drain the pump and open hose bibs.
PREP YOU HOME FOR THE COLD WINTER MONTHS.
Cover and insulate outdoor spigots to prevent pipes from freezing in the fall. Winterize sprinkler systems to lightly water once a week. Store hoses until spring.
Want to learn more about how to keep your home safe and healthy? Visit JS2 Partners Custom Healthy Home Builders to learn more.
Have additional home maintenance tips or stories to share? Share them in the comments section below – we’d love to hear your ideas!
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